On Thursday 25th April 2019, Greece’s Presidential Guard paid their respects to the ANZACs, who served and died in the war for Australia and New Zealand, during the Dawn Service held at West Torrens Memorial Gardens in Adelaide, South Australia.
Thousands of people turned up in the early hours of the morning to honour fallen soldiers and see the 11 Evzones, who were present to honour the ANZACs.
"Today is the 104th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing. The focus on this years commemoration is women in service and conflicts. We are also very privileged to have with us the Hellenic Guard from Greece. We have much in common with our Greek brothers," Ian Gifford, Master of Ceremonies for the Dawn Service and Hilton RSL representative said.
"This day is a solemn day in our heritage. It does not glorify war, but it gives us a chance to reflect and give thanks for the service of the men and women in the ADF," he continued.
As the laying of the wreaths took place, two Evzones stood beside the Cross of Sacrifice monument.
The Hon Tom Koutsantonis, Labor Member for West Torrens spoke about the connection between the ANZACs and the Greeks. "Today the Evzones are largely a ceremonial unit and project the finest traditional of the Hellenic Republic. They stand guard in Athens over the Tomb of an Unknown Soldier and their trademark slow march standing in silence. They regularly stand in honour of our fallen in Commonwealth cemeteries in Greece...They are here today to honour our ANZACs that fought in both world wars in the Aegean. They honour their bravery, they honour their sacrifice and our current service men and women for all they do to defend our shared democratic values," he said.
*Watch the video here-
Evzones pay their respects to ANZACS at Dawn Service in Adelaide
